(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, June 3. ) Closed session: Commissioners adjourned into a 15 minute closed session to discuss real estate. No action was taken following the closed session.
Food Pantry: Fourth district commissioner David Lowman announced he was ready for the county to pursue land acquisition and construction of a new facility for the Pierce County Food Pantry. The South Georgia Regional Commission may also assist with the project.
Rezoning denied: The board denied rezoning a 0.46 acre parcel of land located at 4023 Meadow Circle. The owner of Sunflower Child Care Center asked to rezone the land from single-family to commercial to expand the day care. The planning commission voted to recommend denial of the request since it amounted to spot zoning. There are no other businesses in the area of the child care center. A public hearing was held prior to the commission meeting. Several residents spoke in opposition to the land being rezoned for the expanded child care center, citing lack of room and safety concerns. County chairman Neal Bennett summed up by saying the day care is a good idea, but just in the wrong place.
Firefighting equipment: Commissioners approved the purchase of 2 Enforcer 10-gallon foam firefighting apparatuses from MECO in the amount of $11,470.60. The funds will come from monies set aside for fire department purchases. County Fire Chief Chris Todd said the enforcer expands at a ratio of 20 to 1 meaning that the 10 gallons of foam are the same as 200 gallons. It is compact, runs on SCBAs and is maneuverable to get in to tight spaces that might not be reachable by fire truck.
Public comments: Christopher Thomas was on the agenda to talk about road width and erosion problems on Gill Road in Patterson. Thomas was not present at the meeting and the item was struck from the agenda. Fourth district commissioner David Lowman said he and county road superintendent Bruce Carter had checked on the site and the issues appear to have been corrected. Nefi Herrera of the Worksite Advantage Program in Waycross, also gave a presentation. The program is part of Liberty National's insurance coverage for county employees offering a $3,000 accidental death benefit and offering health care benefits.
Unison board of directors appointment: Kristie Mercer was reappointed to serve on the Unison board of directors for a three year term through June 30, 2028.
South Georgia Regional Development Authority appointments: Andy Brannen was appointed to fill the seat currently held by Matt Carter. Carter currently serves in the Appling County seat. Brannen has businesses in both Bacon and Pierce County. Steven Paul was appointed for a four year term and Neal Bennett was appointed to a two year term.
County manager report: County Manager Raphel Maddox gave an update on the legislative update held earlier in the day, June 3, at the Mossy Pond Lodge in Patterson. Maddox reported the Department of Transportation agreed to give Pierce County funds for a new culvert on Whitney Lakes Road in the Hacklebarney community. The road is failing.
Graduates honored: Commissioners honored children of county employees who recently graduated with the class of 2025. (See previous coverage).
Pledge leader: Pastor Morris Pate, Navy Chief Petty Officer (Ret.), led the pledge of allegiance. (See previous coverage).
Invocation leader: The Rev. Chris Roberts, pastor of Bridge Community Church in Blackshear, led the invocation. (See previous coverage). Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear. The meeting is delayed a week due to the Independence Day holiday.
